Buzz
Torrenting is one of the most popular methods of file sharing on the internet, accounting for over 50% of internet traffic. Despite its widespread use, new users often struggle with understanding how to use it. Fortunately, torrenting is quite straightforward, and you can start uploading files in just a few minutes. Read the guide below to learn more.
Steps
Install a Torrent Program
Understand the basics of torrenting. Torrent files allow you to download any type of shared file. Torrenting breaks files into smaller pieces, which you download from users who have already obtained the file. Once all pieces are downloaded, the file is reassembled and can be accessed on your computer.
- When downloading torrent content, you are referred to as a "leecher." When sharing content, you are a "seeder." These terms will be used frequently in later sections.
- Familiarize yourself with copyright laws. Many torrented contents are shared illegally, so avoid following such practices. Only share and download content you have the rights to distribute.
Download the BitTorrent program. BitTorrent manages the downloading and uploading of torrents. You need to install this program to download torrent files. Ensure you download it from a trusted source. There are many programs available, such as BitTorrent, uTorrent, and Vuze, which are popular choices.
Install the program. Be cautious during the installation of torrent programs, as some may include adware or browser hijackers. Make sure to manually deselect any unwanted options during the setup process.
Download Torrent
Find a tracker site. Torrent trackers are listings of torrent files. They do not host content on their servers but act as repositories for torrent files. Trackers come in two forms: public and private.
- Public trackers are open to everyone and can be easily found through Google. They do not require registration or sharing. These trackers often contain ads and, due to their public nature, many torrents are monitored by copyright holders, which could lead to service termination by your ISP if you download such files.
- Private trackers are invite-only and cannot be found via Google. They require account registration and often monitor your sharing ratio to ensure uploads match downloads.
Search for the desired file. Use the search function on the torrent tracker to find the file you wish to download. The tracker will display a list of results based on your search keywords. Multiple results will appear, especially for popular files.
- Use common keywords to locate your desired file. For example, to find episode 5 of season 4 of a show, search for "<show name> s04e05".
- Many public trackers list ads at the top of search results to appear legitimate.
Identify the file you want to download. When multiple results appear, you need to decide which file to choose. Consider the following factors before making your selection.
- Quality - If downloading a video, the encoding process results in files of varying quality. Generally, larger files offer higher quality than smaller ones. Check the Comments section to verify file quality. Many torrents allow user ratings, which can help you make an informed decision.
- Number of seeders - Files with more seeders download faster because you can connect to more users while downloading parts of the file. If there are more leechers than seeders, the download will take longer. Trackers display the number of seeders and leechers next to search results and allow sorting by the number of seeders.
Ensure you can view the content. This is especially important for video files, as they are often encoded in formats unsupported by Windows Media Player or QuickTime. To guarantee you can watch any downloaded video, install a dedicated media player like VLC Player or Media Player Classic.
- Torrent files are often in ISO format. ISO files need to be burned or mounted to a virtual drive to be viewable.
Be cautious when selecting files. Torrents are a common method for spreading viruses and other malicious files. Files with more seeders are generally safer. Similarly, always check the Comments section before making your choice.
Download the torrent. Once you've selected a file, click the link on the tracker to download the torrent file to your computer. Torrent files are very small and take only seconds to download. Remember, torrent files do not contain any content; they simply connect you to users sharing the file.
Open the torrent file. Most torrent files are configured to automatically launch your torrent program when opened. If not, you can open the program manually and load the torrent file from there.
- If you didn't set a download location during program installation, you'll be prompted to choose where to save the file.
- If there isn't enough space for the file you want to download, the process won't start.
Wait for the download process to start. The torrent program begins connecting to seeders. You'll see the download speed gradually increase in the status bar, and the progress bar will move closer to 100%.
- You can download multiple torrents simultaneously, although the maximum download speed will be divided among the files.
Seed Torrent
Continue sharing after the download completes. Torrenting relies on a community of file sharers. Torrents cannot exist without seeders maintaining the files. Every torrent user should fulfill the obligation to share files after downloading.
- Internet service packages often have slower upload speeds than download speeds. This means maintaining a 1:1 ratio between leeching and seeding requires keeping the torrent tracker open longer than the download time. The best way to do this is to let the Torrent program run in the background.
- Note: If you move or delete the file, you will lose the ability to seed.
Set upload limits. Many torrent programs allow you to set upload limits. Navigate to Preferences -> Queueing.
- Set a minimum ratio. This is the lowest amount the torrent will seed after completing the download. Aim for at least 100%, meaning if you download a 300MB file, you should upload 300MB as well.
- If you want to stop seeding after reaching the desired ratio, set the upload speed limit to 0.
Seed on private trackers. Private trackers often have strict seeding requirements. They typically demand a minimum seeding ratio of 100% or higher. Failing to maintain this ratio can result in a ban, losing access to the tracker.
Create Torrent
Open the torrent program. In addition to downloading torrents, the program can also create torrent files. Torrents are an excellent way to share files with friends, family, or a passionate community. Be cautious when sharing copyrighted content, as the creator of the torrent is more likely to face legal action than the downloader.
Create a torrent file. The process varies slightly depending on the program. Typically, you select File, then choose "Create New Torrent" or a similar option. This action activates the torrent creation tool.
Add files. A torrent can contain one or multiple files. Use the "Add File" and "Add Directory" buttons to browse your computer and select the files you want to include in the torrent. You can share almost any type of file using torrents.
Add trackers. In the Torrent Properties section, you'll find the "Trackers" field. Enter the address of the tracker you want to use for sharing the torrent. Most torrent programs automatically include popular trackers, but if you're using a private tracker, you'll need to add it manually.
Start seeding. Click the Create button, and the seeding process will begin. Ensure you continue seeding until a significant number of seeders have accessed the file. If you stop seeding before others finish downloading, the torrent file will become corrupted.
Tips
- Regularly update your antivirus software.
- Always ensure you download safe files. Consider scanning files before opening them.
- Consider installing protective programs like PeerBlock or Peer Guardian.
Warnings
- Some internet service providers throttle torrent traffic, reducing speeds or even blocking downloads entirely.
- Using torrents to infringe on copyrights can lead to legal action. Avoid doing so.
- Reducing your upload ratio may result in being banned from private torrent sites.
